Oops! You Dropped Something

Is name dropping a big no-no? Once you get to a certain point in your career, you're simply bound to be surrounded by other working actors, and you may even become friends with some of them. However, name-dropping can be quite annoying. Further, you never know how people feel about your famous friend (this business is very much like high school), so keep your celebrity associations under wraps in most situations, unless directly asked. As actors begin to work, they like to talk a lot about "who they know," but in the long run, I think this serves very little purpose except to inflate your ego. The general rule? If it is necessary to the conversation to mention someone you know, then fine. If not, leave it alone. No one cares as much as you do and they are definitely NOT impressed --- you have to always remember that people are very insecure in this business and they could be threatened by your enviable Hollywood stories. :-)

Second Time Around -- Part II

Flexibilty Is Key! A second pass at sides can be a Godsend in an audition. If a casting director asks you to try something different, listen INTENTLY to what they say and incorporate it immediately. DROP what you've been rehearsing for days and start over. If you can't do this, pracctice in improv classes or with friends using this simple exercise:

Say the phrase "I love you and that's all that matters" without any emotion or inflection.

Then, have a friend/classmate/coach give you direction (i.e. "Say it with love," "Say it with hate," "Say it like you could care less," etc.) and practice adjusting on the fly. Don't PREPARE - you have to be able to do this at a moment's notice. Then, if you can do this in an audition, you'll be able to show the casting director that you take great direction and they'll hire you! Good luck!

Second Time Around (Part I)

Great acting is about making great choices. Your talent lies in your choices, says Stella Adler. So, when you're in the audition room, always ask to do the sides again if the situation allows for it. Sometimes, the casting director wants to get you in and out, but often you can show your strength and versatility as an actor by asking for direction and then doing a second read.

Keep in mind that sometimes, this isn't realistic and you should take a hint when asked to leave. However, if there seems to be an appropriate moment, as the casting director if you can try it again. CAUTION: Be sure to make your second pass BETTER and DIFFERENT. If you're just doing it again to get more camera time, forget it. But if you feel like you were nervous during your first pass, take advantage of the next pass to do better. Also be sure to ask if the casting director has any adjustments for you. Here are some ways to ask:

"I'd love to try that one more time. Do you have any adjustments?"

"Would you mind if I do that one more time? I'd love to incorporate any direction you have."

Be sure to REALLY take advantage of this second chance and REALLY interpret what the casting director tells you. Now, how do you adjust once you get notes? Stay tuned for my next entry.....

Tone It Down

Bit parts (co-stars, under-fives, etc.) are great stepping stones to larger roles in TV and film. However, they can be harder to get than most actors think! And who wants to drive all the way across town, say one line and NOT book the job?! In order to book these roles, keep in mind that if you're going in for a character that only has one or two lines -- you are NOT the star or even that important in the grand scheme of the plot.

So, the key to getting the audition is to be as real as possible. As much as you want to "shine," you just don't have this type of latitude with co-star roles (usually). Just read the line as natural as possible and strip away all acting. If the line is "How can I help you?," just say it as you would in your everyday life. Don't try to add something special or some weird inflection in order to "Stand Out." This will only make you look weird. If you leave the audition feeling like you didn't do much, chances are you did it just perfect. :-)